Youth Corner

Goodbye 2012, Hello future

What an incredible year! So many things have happened that have helped me to grow and develop as an individual.

I think it's important to reflect and highlight just a couple of the exciting happenings of this year. I turned 18 - big deal, right? I still have to get used to the fact that I can now sign on the dotted line and take responsibility for my decisions.

I have travelled to two amazing places this year where I met incredible people and experienced things I will never forget. Meeting many of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and hearing their stories was unbelievable. I still pinch myself when I think of the people met the people I met. Visiting Paris with my big sister for the UNESCO Conference was a huge milestone for me. Travelling without my mom and being given the chance to be independent was remarkable. I feel so privileged to have been given such opportunities to learn from so many people that have perspectives different to mine. I'm so lucky to have the support that makes these incredible life events possible.

My last year of school is drawing to a close. I have been counting down the days until my last exam. Some may say that I'm wishing away my time at school but it just reminds me that I have to savour every last moment because we will never get to redo this time in our lives. I will hold dear all of the memories of my schooldays, the good and the bad, as they have moulded me into the person I am today, the person who is ready to enter the "real world" and flourish.

I am so excited that the world did not end this year because I have so much that I still plan to do with my life. Next year is sure to hold amazing new experiences to be cherished. I hope everybody is looking forward to making the best of 2013!